Save the Date: Washington Bridal Show on 9/9/07

It's that time of year again! Time for the Washington Bridal Showcase. This year's show (and January's) will be held at the Dulles Expo Center since the Patriot Center is undergoing renovations. That's actually a good thing, despite the further drive for some, because they can feature more vendors, show the limousines inside, have a bigger stage, and....host a tabletop competition!

Soiree has entered to compete with a tabletop and we played around with a centerpiece idea for a few hours last night (who says field trips to Michael's aren't fun?). We're also working with Party Rental Ltd. to show some rockin' rentals that you usually don't see at weddings. We're really looking forward to it!Anyhow, here's the basic information for the show:

* Sunday, September 9th, 2007
* 11am-5pm
* Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, VA
* $10 a ticket or $8 if you buy online
And some helpful tips if you're a rookie:
* Bring a backpack or large tote bag with comfortable straps. You will get SO much literature and the free bags you'll get from After Hours dig into your hands after an hour.
* Use the After Hours bag for fliers you pick up but don't want to look at later. Trash it on your way out the door.
* Pack a plastic grocery bag for 'food trash' like toothpicks, cupcake wrappers, plastic forks and plates, etc. Trash cans are usually few and far between.
* Wear comfy shoes! The floor of the expo center is concrete and you'll be standing for at least an hour.
* Skip the fashion show and talk to the vendors you're interested in. This is the quietest time of the show and you'll get great one-on-one time. This is also the best time to check out the chocolate fountain!
* Get your rings cleaned for free! I love the ring cleaning vendors since having a shiny new ring makes you feel like a giddy happy bride again.
* Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of vendors, people, or information. Shows are all about information-gathering and you can take it slowly and browse at your leisure. I get easily frustrated by crowds but just go with the flow and take your time.
* Create an email account only for wedding stuff. You will get inundated with advertisements, spam, and it won't die until you're on your second child. Be sure to sift through it every couple days -- sometimes there are deals and coupons you can use.
* Bring labels with your name, email address, phone number, wedding date, and wedding location. Vendors you're interested in will want this information and it'll save you time from filling out forms. Plus you can enter a lot of raffles this way!
* Keep in mind that if you "win" a honeymoon but just have to go to a 3-hour seminar on pots and knives, it's probably a scam. They will also try and sell you a timeshare and an RV while they're at it.
* DO leave small children and their strollers at home. DON'T leave your bridesmaid or fiance or mom at home.
* Ask about vendor offers at the show. Some offer coupons or discounts if you set up an appointment. Bring your datebook!

If you want FREE admission to the show, comment below and I'll pick a lucky winner to get two free tickets! Of course you have to promise to stop by our booth and say hello but I swear we don't bite.